Three people arrested over the murder of a 20-year old taxi driver in Kericho town will be detained for 14 days pending investigations.

The accused, Ismael Kiprono Tanui, Ambrose Ambrose Maobe and Florence Rioba Momanyi will be held at Kericho Police Station as officers investigate the murder of Gideon Kipng’eno Tonui, who went missing a week ago.

They pleaded not guilty when they appeared before Kericho Senior Principal Magistrate Catherine Mungania

The body of the taxi driver was found on Sunday in Transmara in Narok County and his vehicle was recovered by the police in Kisii County.

The accused were charged with robbery with violence. They allegedly conspired to rob Tonui of his vehicle valued at Sh850,000 on March 4 and 5 this year.

Mr Maobe claimed his rights were violated as he was held by police for more than 24 hours.

He also claimed he was assaulted by the law enforcers.

“Your honour, I was beaten and told to confess a crime I did not commit. The law is very clear under Article 49 that arrested persons should be arraigned in court within 24 hours of being arrested and that did not happen. I should have been brought to court on Monday and more time sought for my detention as set out by the law,” said Mr Maobe

The three faced another charge of being in possession of a motorcycle and five helmets, which police believe to could have also been stolen at Masaba Trading center in Migori County, a charge that the three denied.

The late Tonui was laid to rest at his home in Ainamoi, Kericho County on Thursday.